SWA 101 - Swahili 1
Course Description
This beginner-level course introduces students to the fundamentals of spoken and written Swahili, designed for those with no prior knowledge of the language. Through interactive lessons, students will learn basic communication skills, including greetings, introductions, and everyday expressions. Emphasis is placed on building a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary while fostering an appreciation for the East African culture.
Course Details
Swahili is a Bantu language widely spoken in Eastern and Central Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other countries. It serves as a lingua franca (common language), bridging diverse ethnic groups across the region. Learning Swahili provides learners with a unique linguistic skill that can enhance global competencies and open doors to diverse cultural experiences, international opportunities, and potential careers in areas such as international relations, global business, and humanitarian work. This is also a chance to engage deeply with the rich cultural heritage of Eastern and Central Africa and gain a valuable asset for future professional endeavours.
By the end of this course, successful students will be able to:
- Exchange common greetings and farewells
- Introduce themselves and others
- Ask and answer simple questions about daily activities and routines
- Navigate numbers and currency
- Tell time and discuss daily schedules
- Order meals and beverages in restaurants and cafés
- Ask for and give directions
- Talk about the weather
- Understand and respect key cultural norms and etiquette in Kenya